Verve reunion to celebrate 30 years of Urban Hymns?

Speculation is mounting that Richard Ashcroft may reunite The Verve to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Urban Hymns—a seminal record whose influence still resonates across British music.

Seventeen years after The Verve’s last split, Ashcroft is reportedly weighing a comeback—his interest reignited by the surge of nostalgia at Oasis’ Live '25 shows, where he served as the opener and saw firsthand the enduring passion for classic anthems. According to The Sun’s Bizarre column

“During the Oasis shows he saw the love people had for The Verve and their music, and it got people talking.”

The insider comments:

“There are many people who think getting The Verve back together to celebrate Urban Hymns would be an absolute coup - not only for the band but for their fans.”

Yet, despite mounting speculation, Ashcroft has voiced skepticism, telling The Sun,

“We’ve already played that hand. I don’t think it would work.”

“The Verve’s situation was a tougher one than Oasis — it was a different dynamic to Oasis.”

When Urban Hymns turned 20, Ashcroft wasn’t exactly swept up in nostalgia. If anything, he seemed almost allergic to the idea of marking anniversaries.

Watch The Verve, Glastonbury 2008

When asked by Radio X’s John Kennedy if he acknowledged two decades of the band’s third record, Ashcroft replied

“No. No. It’s not necessary to celebrate, you know what I mean? It’s just a year.”

“I think that’s something that’s been forced on us—lists. Twenty years, so what? Why not 21 years, isn’t that better? Or 22? It’s two years on, it’s even bigger.”

“Who cares, you know what I mean?”

Released in September 1997, Urban Hymns not only topped the charts but also delivered era-defining songs like Bitter Sweet Symphony, The Drugs Don’t Work, Sonnet, and Lucky Man—tracks that have left a lasting impact on countless listeners.

The Verve first came together in 1990—Richard, guitarist Nick McCabe, bassist Simon Jones, and drummer Peter Salisbury. Over the years, they’ve split and reunited more than once, but haven’t shared a stage since 2009.

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Ellis Douglas
Editor, BritRock Heaven